The Shin Bet security service, in an unusual move, issued a statement denying allegations that it has tortured Jewish teens held in connection with the firebombing of a Palestinian home that killed three.

For more than two months, Israel has been battling a wave of deadly attacks by Palestinians targeting Israelis. At the same time, and in a reflection of the complications of the region, it is trying to rein in violent, far-right Jewish groups intent on sowing discord with Muslims and Christians.